Easy

Creamy Cajun Chicken And Shrimp Pasta

Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken And Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 340 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 2.5 cm cubes); 225 g large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined); 340 g penne pasta; 2.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided); 3 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 375 ml heavy cream (35%); 125 ml chicken stock; 100 g Parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 1 whole red bell pepper (sliced into thin strips); 2 tbsp olive oil; 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

35 min4590 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|January 15, 2024

This Creamy Cajun Chicken And Shrimp Pasta recipe is a Canadian favourite that brings incredible flavour to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking, this dish features tender, juicy chicken paired with carefully balanced seasonings that the whole family will love. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or cooking for guests, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. Every step has been tested in Canadian kitchens using ingredients available at your local grocery store. With a prep time of just 10 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of simple techniques and bold flavours makes this one of the most requested chicken recipes on our site. Bookmark this page and add it to your regular rotation — you will not be disappointed.

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Ingredients

Servings:

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Toast Cajun Butter

“Melt butter, then toast the Cajun seasoning for 30 seconds before adding the chicken strips; this awakens the spices and prevents them from burning during the 5‑minute sauté. Add the shrimp only in the final 2 minutes of cooking so they stay pink and tender, then swirl in cream.”

About This Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta is a dish that brings the essence of bold flavours right to your Canadian kitchen. The fusion of juicy chicken breast and succulent shrimp, enveloped in a rich and velvety sauce, is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend, this dish allows you to whip up something special that feels indulgent while being surprisingly simple to make. The warmth of Cajun spices mingles with the creaminess of heavy cream and Parmesan, creating a delightful balance that resonates with home cooks across Canada.

What makes this dish particularly special is its adaptability to various tastes and preferences. The spice level can be adjusted to suit your family’s palate, and the ingredients are easily accessible in local grocery stores. With just 10 minutes of prep and a total cooking time of 35 minutes, you can serve a dish that rivals your favourite restaurant meals, making it a treasured staple in many Canadian households.

Tips for the Best Creamy Cajun Chicken And Shrimp Pasta

To ensure your chicken remains juicy and tender, aim for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) when cooking. Searing the chicken properly before adding the cream will lock in moisture and flavour. Also, remember to toss the pasta in the sauce right before serving to prevent it from absorbing too much moisture. This way, you'll keep that luscious, creamy texture intact throughout your meal.

What to Serve With It

For an authentic Canadian touch, serve your Creamy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta with a side of garlic bread and a fresh Caesar salad. The crunchy romaine and creamy dressing will complement the richness of the pasta beautifully. You might also consider pairing it with a light, crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio, which can enhance the dish's flavours and make for a delightful dining experience.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of this Creamy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat and add a splash of cream to keep the pasta from drying out. If you want to freeze it, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers, where it can be kept for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Per Serving

590

Calories

44g

Protein

23g

Fat

52g

Carbs

Fiber3g

Sugar8g

Sodium704mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?+

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them beforehand. Frozen shrimp can work just as well, and they will cook quickly in the sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?+

If you're looking for a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream substitute. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be less rich.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?+

Definitely! You can increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to elevate the heat to your liking.

Can I add vegetables to this pasta?+

Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini make excellent additions. Just sauté them along with the chicken for added flavour and nutrition.

What type of pasta is best for this dish?+

Fettuccine or linguine works wonderfully, as they catch the creamy sauce beautifully, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:

10 min

Cook:

25 min

Total:

35 min

Servings:

Difficulty:

Easy

Pro Tips

1Pat chicken and shrimp completely dry with paper towels before seasoning — moisture prevents the characteristic Cajun blackened crust from forming properly.
2Use a mix of smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme if making your own Cajun blend — store-bought works perfectly but homemade lets you control the heat level.
3Don't rinse the pasta after draining — the starch clinging to the noodles helps the cream sauce adhere and creates a silkier texture when tossed together.
4Sauce will thicken as it sits, so err on the slightly thinner side when finishing — the pasta water addition is your control dial for perfect consistency.

Variations

Substitute linguine or fettuccine for penne, adjusting cooking time accordingly — long ribbon pasta creates a more elegant presentation for special occasions.
Use andouille sausage sliced into coins instead of shrimp for a smoky, traditional Louisiana twist — add it when you cook the chicken.
Make it lighter by replacing half the heavy cream with half-and-half cream (10%) and reduce Parmesan to 75 g — you'll lose some richness but save approximately 120 calories per serving.

Chicken Pasta